Really, it depends on how you use it, but whenever I look at a question that the term "Jew" in it--whether it's "there's this Jew in my school", or "Do Jews....", or "Why do Jews"--then there's always at least one answer saying that they think that either Jewish people would think it's offensive or that they think it can be offensive. It's not true! And if you DO find it offensive, then you shouldn't!
A Jewish person is a Jew! Jews are Jewish people. In Yiddish you say Yid, which is literally a 100% direct translation of the word Jew, and if it were offensive then the word wouldn't even be included in the Jewish language! (Yiddish means Jewish in Yiddish btw.)
Of course, I somewhat agree with the fact that if someone uses it in a way that hints that he is insulting us, then it IS offensive, but it doesn't mean that every time you see it it's being used in such a way. For example, someone says, "Hey, Jew, come here!" or "That Jew over there..." (CONT.)
2007-09-25 13:28:11 · 7 answers · asked by וואלה 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
(CONT.) It really depends how you use it, but you have to assume that most of the time it's being used in a nice way, even if it IS being used as an insult, in order to keep the peace. If the asker makes it obvious that he's using it as an insult, however, THEN you can blame him/her.
Now, I'm not saying this as though I'm getting mad at anyone for thinking that it's offensive, but just so you understand (and to see if anyone actually agrees with me) that you shouldn't always feel insulted from the term, or think that the asker is insulting Jews.
I am a JEW, and sometimes people call me JEW and I actually really appreciate it...thank you all for your patience!
2007-09-25 13:30:46 · update #1
Yu'h!
2007-09-25 13:36:14 · update #2
Even the media uses "Jewish people" instead of Jews. When I complained to the journalist who wrote it, she responded that she didn't want to offend anyone.
For most of my life, I also felt that people would be offended if I called them a Jew or referred to others as Jews.
That was one of the first things I noticed when entering a synagogue for the first time -- people were proud to be Jews and loved to be called Jews. What a breath of fresh air. I studied for more than a year before converting and couldn't wait to call myself a Jew and to speak of "we and us" instead of "them and they." A "friend" was gossiping about Jewish noses one day. I delighted in telling her that I would soon be a Jew -- did she think my nose would grow?
We hadn't converted yet when we were in Israel and we let people assume that we were Jews. I began to feel guilty (thought I'd get caught) so I fessed up. One response was, "welcome to the tribe."
We have to use the term ourselves before the rest of the world will realize that the word Jew is not derogatory!
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2007-09-25 14:54:50 · answer #1 · answered by Hatikvah 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am not black lol but I do a great impersonation of my friend who is... I don't think ghetto should be offensive I just had some ghetto food Beefaroni in a can. I use ghetto all the time in reference to being unorthodox in my actions...I am not sure that's even the right term hehehee. The term gay shouldn't be offensive but I already told you my opinion on why it is.
2016-05-18 21:36:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand you and it is my understanding also. You must remember that in this age of "political, racial, whatever correctness" literally anything can be construed or misconstrued, if you wish, as an insult.
2007-09-25 13:39:37 · answer #3 · answered by What? Me Worry? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I concur
2007-09-25 14:47:56 · answer #4 · answered by LadySuri 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Done kvetching yet?
2007-09-25 13:35:26 · answer #5 · answered by eV 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
mazel tov!
2007-09-25 13:34:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
So what is your question????
2007-09-25 13:57:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋